Review of Fiat 124 Spider 2017: appearance of the model, interior, specifications, security systems, prices and equipment. At the end of the article - test drive the Fiat Spider 2017!
Contents of the review:
- Appearance
- Salon
- Specifications Fiat 124 Spider 2017
- Security systems
- 2017 Fiat 124 Spider cost and configuration
In the fall of 2015, at the annual Los Angeles Auto Show, the Italian car brand Fiat presented its new brainchild - the compact sports roadster 124 Spider, which is the result of close cooperation between Italians and the Japanese automaker Mazda.
From a technical point of view, the novelty is the twin brother of the last generation Mazda MX-5 roadster, but thanks to the efforts of Italian designers, the car has received a completely different and, as it seems to us, more stylish and sexy appearance, evoking memories of the original "124" convertible produced together with Pininfarina during the 60s and 80s of the last century.
Thus, the Italians decided not to repeat the experience of the Japanese brands Toyota and Subaru, the result of cooperation between which was the release of two almost 100% identical models GT86 and BRZ.
Running a little ahead, I would like to praise the Italians for not limiting themselves to changing only the appearance of the Fiat 124 Spider, rewarding the car with sharper handling and a completely different engine that fully unleashes the potential of a compact roadster.
Exterior Fiat 124 Spider 2017
If we had a chance to choose the most attractive car of 2017, then the new Fiat 124 Spider would certainly be among the favorites. The machine instantly catches the eye, which was repeatedly confirmed by crowds of people who surrounded the car at various events where the novelty was demonstrated.
The front part of the body is represented by a rounded head optics of an adaptive type, ringed with LED strips of running lights, a stylish embossed hood, as well as a neat false radiator grille and a front bumper, decorated with an elegant air intake and a pair of foglights.
The profile of the car is identical to the Mazda MX-5 and literally screams about the sporty orientation of the model: a long hood, a cockpit shifted towards the rear axle and a heavily tilted back windshield. The presence of a folding soft roof deserves special attention, and regardless of its position, the car looks equally stylish and harmonious.
The rear of the car is breathtaking, aided by large LED position lights, a neat boot lid with integrated spoiler, and an elegant rear bumper with split tailpipes.
Fiat 124 Spider has the following dimensions:
- Length - 4054 mm;
- Width - 1740 mm;
- Height - 1233 mm;
- Distance between front and rear axle - 2310 mm.
The car rests on the road with 16-inch or optional 17-inch wheels, shod with standard-size tires 195/50 / R16 or 205/45 / R17, respectively (in the "Abarth" version, the roadster is equipped with 18-inch "rollers" with a unique design). The ground clearance height is 135 mm, which imposes some restrictions on attempts to enter curbs.
Potential buyers of "124th" can choose one of eight body color options, among which the color of Azzurro Italia and Rosso Passione looks especially stylish.
Fiat 124 Spider interior
The interior design, with the exception of some details, completely repeats that of the Mazda MX-5 roadster, which in no way spoils the impression of the Italian. In front of the driver there are three well-readable "wells" of the dashboard, as well as a stylish three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, in the center of which there is a large "Fiat" emblem.
The laconic and restrained central dashboard is complemented by a 7-inch screen of the multimedia and information complex, as well as three round twists of the microclimate control unit. Separately, I would like to highlight the design of the air duct deflectors, vaguely resembling an aircraft turbine, as well as the absence of a glove box, which will somewhat upset practical motorists.
The front seats with integrated head restraints provide a comfortable seating position, as well as good lateral support, a wide range of adjustments and heating. Between the seats is a massive center console with a gearshift lever, a handbrake, a Fiat Connect 7 control washer, and a small box. A soft folding roof is hidden behind the seats, which, due to the absence of an electric drive, does not eat up the trunk volume, which is only 140 liters.
The quality of the materials used, as well as the adjustment of the interior details at a height, while in all trim levels, except for the basic one, genuine leather prevails in the cabin.
But in the special version "Abarth", the interior is additionally decorated with stylish Alcantara inserts.
In general, despite its minimalism, the interior of the 124th Fiat has a well-defined ergonomics and leaves an extremely positive impression. Even the company's management notes that when creating the interior, they were guided by the principle that nothing should distract the driver from the road.
Specifications Fiat 124 Spyder 2017
Unlike its Japanese sibling, which relies on revving naturally aspirated engines, the European Fiat 124 Spider is powered by the only available 1.4-liter turbo engine producing 140 mares and 240 Nm of torque, already available at 2250 rpm. ... With such an engine, the compact roadster needs 7.5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100, and the maximum possible speed is 215 km / h. Despite the good dynamic characteristics, the engine is quite economical - the average fuel consumption varies within 5.5-6 l / 100 km.
For the American market, the engine is boosted up to 160 "horses", due to which the car has more frisky dynamics and comparable fuel consumption. At the same time, unlike the European version, which only has a 6-level manual transmission available, the American modification can be equipped with it and a modern 6-level automatic transmission.
Roadster "124 Spider" is built on the basis of a rear-wheel drive bogie, familiar from the Mazda MX-5, assuming the presence of an engine displaced to the stern and the reference weight distribution of the car along the axes - 50 to 50. This, together with a low weight (from 1050 to 1130 kg), perfectly tuned chassis and low center of gravity, allowed to achieve excellent handling, so steering a car on mountain serpentines is a pleasure.
The steering is an electric booster and is highly accurate and informative, while the Italians gave the steering wheel more weight than the Japanese did in their MX-5. The braking system of the car is represented by disc brakes on all wheels, while the front axle wheels are additionally equipped with a ventilation system that increases the braking efficiency.
In the special version "Abarth", the car is equipped with stiffer Bilstein shock absorbers, as well as more efficient brakes from Brembo, thanks to which it was possible not only to reduce roll, but also to improve deceleration efficiency.
124 Spider Roadster Safety
Fiat 124 Spider 2017 is equipped with a special protective frame made of high-strength steel, which, together with programmable crumple zones and electronic assistants, is designed to provide a high level of safety for the driver and passenger. The list of security systems is presented:
- 4 airbags;
- 4-channel anti-lock braking system and ESP system;
- Back view camera;
- Dead zone tracking system;
- Parking assistant;
- Cruise control;
- Traction control system;
- Three-point seat belts;
- Disc brakes;
- Tire pressure monitoring system;
- Light and rain sensors;
- Electronic brake force distribution system;
- Fog lights.
In terms of safety, the compact Fiat 124 Spider roadster is practically on par with its larger and more technologically advanced neighbors.
2017 Fiat 124 Spider price and configuration
The price of Fiat 124 Spider 2017 in the European market starts at 27.5 thousand euros (about 1.87 million rubles), but in the USA the cost of a roadster starts at 24.99 thousand dollars, while the potential buyer you will have to pay an additional $ 995 for the delivery of the car to the continent.
The basic equipment of the car includes:
- Keyless entry system;
- 4 airbags;
- 4-channel anti-lock braking system and ESP system;
- Electric steering wheel;
- Disc brakes on all wheels;
- LED head optics;
- Tire pressure tracking system;
- Multifunctional steering wheel with leather sheathing;
- R16 aluminum wheels;
- Air conditioner;
- Audio system with 4 speakers;
- Cruise control.
In a more expensive version, for which you will have to part with at least $ 27.5 thousand (in the USA), the buyer additionally receives:
- Light alloy wheels R17;
- Adaptive optics and foglights;
- An advanced audio system from BOSE, as well as a 7-inch screen of a multimedia information unit with Bluetooth support and navigation;
- Automatic climate control;
- Rear view camera;
- Heated seats;
- Parking assistant, etc.
The special version of "Abarth" will cost a potential buyer $ 28.2 thousand in the US or about 40 thousand euros in Europe, and will offer:
- Bilstein front and rear suspension;
- Light alloy wheels R18;
- Exclusive tuning package;
- Leather and Alcantara interior trim;
- Leather-trimmed gearshift knob;
- Aluminum pedal pads;
- Brembo brake discs.
And for those for whom the standard equipment is not enough, the manufacturer has provided a whole set of optional equipment and exclusive accessories.
Conclusion
The Fiat 124 Spider 2017 is a stylish, modern and well-equipped car that is also one of the most affordable sports cars on the market, able to give maximum driving pleasure and emphasize the refined sense of style and taste of its owner.
Test drive Fiat 124 Spider 2017:
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